Manisha Koirala, who is basking in the success of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, took to Instagram to pen a gratitude post. She started the post with the realisation that she never thought that after cancer and turning 50, her life would enter this new phase. Sharing a photo of herself in her Heeramandi avatar, she wrote, “I could never have imagined that after cancer and turning 50, my life would flower into this other phase.”
Citing two reasons for it, she continued, “Heeramandi has been a significant milestone. As a 53-year-old actor who has bagged an important role in a high-profile web series, I am overjoyed that I’m not stuck playing insignificant peripheral roles, thanks to OTT platforms and changing audience profiles. Finally, female actors, technicians, and other professionals have started getting the long overdue and well-deserved good quality of work and respect in a professional environment. I am fortunate to be a part of this evolving era.”
Manisha wrote that as she receives praises for her performance in the series, she is reminded of the worries she had before starting shooting. She added, “Today, when I am receiving so many accolades, I can’t help but remember the doubts and anxiety that plagued me when I was about to start shooting. Still recovering from the dreaded C, would my body be strong enough to deal with the intense shooting schedules, heavy costumes, and jewelry, and perform a role requiring so much nuance and effortless effort?
Opening up on a particularly tough scene, she wrote, “The fountain sequence proved the most physically challenging. It required me to be immersed in a water fountain for over 12 hours. That tested my resilience! Even though Sanjay had thoughtfully ensured that the water was warm and clean, over the hours, the water turned muddy, (because my team members, the Cinematographer, and the art director’s team were getting into the water to work around the scene.) Every single pore in my body was soaked in that muddy water. Even though I was beyond exhaustion by the end of the shoot, I felt a deep happiness within my heart. My body had taken the stress and remained resilient. I knew I had passed a critical physical test.”
Ending on an inspirational note, Manisha added, “To you, who think your time has come and gone, whether it’s due to age, illness or any setback, never give up! You never know what could be waiting for you around the bend! I’m deeply grateful for your love and generosity of spirit!”
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012, Manisha underwent treatment in New York. In a recent interview with NDTV, she mentioned that the illness continues to affect her work pace and mood, and it did so, especially while working on Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi.
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